The Best Hot Chocolate Mix

Chances are, the thought of having a steamy cup of hot chocolate sends you straight into nostalgic memories of warm, creamy comfort on a cool, crisp day. If it’s time to stock up your pantry with a new supply of hot chocolate mixes, you may wonder if there are some worthwhile choices you can find online. Well, if you’re a cocoa enthusiast, keep reading!

Buying Guide for Hot Chocolate Mix

Why buy hot chocolate mix?

Hot chocolate mixes are the perfect solution if you want to have a supply of this favorite cozy beverage conveniently at hand. Available mixes offer an array of flavors that can produce a cup of cocoa that tastes exactly the way you like it while helping you save time in the kitchen. Also, hot chocolate mix is a fantastic gift idea for any chocolate fan in your life.

What should you look for in a hot chocolate mix?

• Ingredients: The first thing to consider when buying hot chocolate is what’s in it. Look for mixes that have ingredients that you recognize and can pronounce. This is especially important if there are any special requirements to consider, such as food allergies or dietary needs like keto-friendly or low-fat ingredients.
• Flavors: Hot chocolate can come in several different flavors. Some of them are seasonal, while others are available year-round. You can buy plain hot chocolate powder if you want to add your own flavors, or you can find flavored varieties that are pre-made.
• Preparation: How much time do you have, and how much effort do you want to put into making your drink? Most hot chocolate mixes can be prepared by heating water or milk in the microwave, while others specify stovetop prep. Some varieties are suggested to be made specifically with milk; others can be made with water and still come out creamy and rich.

What are some ways to enhance your hot chocolate mix?

Hot chocolate add-ins are a great way to enhance your hot chocolate mix and make it more flavorful. Some favorites are cinnamon sticks or peppermint to add a little extra spice, marshmallows, grated chocolate, or a dollop of whipped cream to melt into the hot chocolate, and vanilla or other extracts to bring a subtle essence of flavor. A quick search may also yield some good recipes for transforming a simple hot chocolate into an over-21 beverage for parties and celebrations.

Our Picks for the Best Hot Chocolate Mix

Pros: If you’ve started a keto diet, you may think that hot chocolate is now off your list of indulgences. Not anymore! This keto cocoa powder is a guilt-free way to get your chocolate fix with 8 grams per serving of MCT oil to help you stay in ketosis. Key Nutrients Keto Cocoa Powder is a high-quality, non-GMO cocoa powder that’s been made to fit the needs of your ketogenic diet. The 9.4-ounce canister equals 20 servings that you can mix with hot or cold water or add to your coffee, dairy-free shakes, yogurt smoothies, or oatmeal. It’s a low-carb, vegan, and gluten-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Cons: This keto cocoa is sweetened with monk fruit extract, so if you’re not a fan of that flavor, this mix may not be for you. Also, some users had difficulty blending it by stirring, but using a blender worked better. Getting out the blender may be one step too many for those who want a treat that’s easier to prepare.

Bottom Line: This chocolate mix may be just what you’re looking for if you’re sticking with a keto lifestyle and want to get the metabolism-boosting benefits of MCT oil in a sweet treat. In addition to the 9.4-ounce canister, this hot chocolate mix also comes in a 10-pack of 0.47-ounce packets.

 

Pros: Chocolate Supreme, French Vanilla, Salted Caramel, and Mint flavors? Yes, please! With this assorted hot chocolate mix pack, you’ll get four of these mouth-watering flavors in single-serving packets, so you can sample a variety of cocoa indulgences. Or, if you have the willpower to share, this Land O’ Lakes pack also makes a great gift for a hot chocolate lover in your life.

Cons: It’s possible to get a bit more variety than you bargained for! Some users may not receive the exact flavors and counts as pictured. So you may get less of a favorite flavor and more of a not-so-favorite type of hot chocolate.

Bottom Line: Consider this pack of hot chocolate mix if you’d like to mix and match flavors or send a unique chocolatey gift.

 

Pros: Looking for something tried and true? Look no further than Swiss Miss! Here we have a package of 50 single-serve packs of milk chocolate cocoa mix. This is the classic flavor with no marshmallows. Enjoy the milk chocolate flavor as is, or use it as a base for hot chocolate recipe variations for something more exciting.

Cons: Some users noted that the packets might not be as full as they expected. As a result, it may take more than one packet of powdered cocoa to get the beverage to the desired flavor and consistency.

Bottom Line: Swiss Miss may be part of the gold standard for anyone looking to go for what they know when it comes to hot chocolate. This 50-count box is perfect for keeping a supply on hand at home, in the break room, or kept all to yourself in your desk drawer!

 

Pros: Just because you’re cutting down on sugar and fat doesn’t mean you have to cut down on all your favorites. If hot chocolate is on your list of comfort foods, you may love this Nestle no sugar added, fat-free hot chocolate mix. This pack comes with 30 sachets of powdered mix that can blend up rich and creamy with hot water or milk. The beverage is 99.9% caffeine free and is made with real cocoa using sustainably sourced cocoa beans.

Cons: This sugar-free product may not be suitable for those who are sensitive to or who don’t like the taste of sucralose.

Bottom Line: Consider this hot chocolate mix if you want something with no added sugar but you’re not interested in special keto features like MCT oil or protein powder.

 

Pros: Double Dutch Dark Chocolate from Castle Kitchen is a premium hot chocolate mix made from the finest quality cocoa beans, cane sugar, and other natural ingredients to bring you a rich, decadent flavor that’s sure to satisfy all your dark chocolate cravings. The mix is kosher, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, contains no artificial preservatives or flavors, and is Non-GMO Project Verified. To enjoy, all you have to do is just add water.

Cons: The description explains that the processing of this mix is allergy-friendly due to its production taking place in a non-nut facility. However, the packaging discloses that the facility does produce dairy, soy, or coconut. So, while those with peanut allergies should be able to drink this beverage safely, those with dairy, soy, or coconut allergies may need to use caution.

Bottom Line: If dark chocolate is your preference, you may want to give this beverage mix a try. In addition to the Double Dutch Dark flavor, it’s also available in Marvelous Mint, Memorable Maple, and Caramel Dark Chocolate. If you’re allergic to dairy, soy, or coconut, keep in mind that this mix is produced in a shared facility.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the classics or want to try some new flavors, having the right hot chocolate mix on hand is a good way to have warm, creamy comfort available to savor anytime. Our top picks include a variety of flavors and ingredients, so you can be sure to find a new or old favorite when it’s time to restock.